In anticipation of the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, where it will be officially present, BMW has press-released their newest M5. The 2018 model sports a few changes, including a six-hundred horsepower engine, and the all-wheel drive necessary to keep all that juice from sending the car out of control.
AWD may be a new page for the traditional enthusiast-oriented M5, but the feature will be adaptable, and generally—unless conditions warrant—will default to good ol’-fashioned RWD. But the new model is significant in that it does represent the introduction of BMW’s M-specific version of their xDrive system.
BMW overhauled their S63 M-series performance engine for the 2018 model year; the 4.4L twin-turbo V8’s updated horsepower rating provides 553 pound-feet of torque. BMW will use a Steptronic 8-speed gearbox for the new model year, a change from the previous transmission, a seven-speed dual-clutch. The car’s out-of-the-gate launch to 60 checks in at 3.2 seconds, and top speed is an electronically-limited 155 MPH—unless you elect the M Driver’s Package, which will bring the car to 189.
Preset engine modes on the 2018 M5 include ‘Efficient,’ ‘Sport,’ and ‘Sport plus’ settings for automatic response and compensation. The ‘M Dynamic’ mode may be engaged when the dynamic stability control is off, and high-performance recreational driving is desired.
Additionally, the car will be outfitted with a customizable exhaust sound feature, a trend we’re seeing with greater frequency this year. Other changes include a more responsive steering rack, tuned rear suspension, and wider wheels. A larger gesture-controlled head-up display, and a cabin boasting Merino leather, and aluminum and carbon trim round out a cursory look at the model.
The 2018 M5 will be available as a first-edition, as well, with a production run of 400 examples.